The Waspi women, a group advocating for women affected by changes in the state pension age, have successfully raised over £122,000 to challenge the Government’s refusal to provide compensation for millions of women who experienced significant financial losses due to the increase in the state pension age. This fundraising effort, initiated through a CrowdJustice campaign, aims to secure the necessary funds for legal proceedings against the Government.
Initially, the campaign set a goal of £75,000, but the response has been overwhelming, with more than £100,000 raised in just 24 hours. As the total reached over £123,000 by Friday afternoon, campaigners have extended their fundraising target to £180,000, with more than 7,000 donations received thus far.
In December, the Government announced that it would not compensate millions of women born in the 1950s—commonly referred to as Waspi women (Women Against State Pension Inequality)—who contend that they were not adequately informed about the gradual increase in the state pension age from 60 to 65 and subsequently to 66. A ruling by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) in March 2024 confirmed that these women are owed compensation due to the Department for Work and Pensions’ failure to appropriately notify them of the changes.
Legal Action on the Horizon
Despite the PHSO’s findings, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the Government could not justify implementing a £10.5 billion compensation scheme at the taxpayer’s expense. Angela Madden, the chair of Waspi, expressed to The i Paper that the substantial support for the fundraising campaign underscores the determination of those affected. “Thousands of Waspi women across the country have come together and donated to show their resolve to fight for justice,” she remarked. “The rapid accumulation of funds demonstrates the public’s anger regarding the Government’s stance. We will not be silenced.”
Madden emphasized the contradictory nature of the Government’s position, acknowledging 1950s-born women as victims of maladministration while simultaneously denying any injustice. “We cannot allow these irrational justifications to go unchallenged,” she added. All contributions will directly support legal costs in the challenge against the Government, placing the onus on them to respond appropriately.
Sarah Johnson, a 68-year-old resident of Northampton and one of the 3.8 million impacted Waspi women, voiced her support for the legal action but admitted that she can only afford to contribute a small amount due to her financial struggles. Johnson, who has two daughters, five grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, experienced severe financial hardship because of the six-year delay in receiving her state pension, which forced her to continue working despite facing long-term health issues.
“I worked as a vision impairment support assistant in schools, but I suffered from chronic migraine syndrome and had to endure this throughout my 50s and 60s. Stress exacerbated my condition,” she explained. “Additionally, I contend with asthma, and my mental health, particularly anxiety, deteriorated after returning to work post-pandemic.” Johnson went on long-term sick leave at 64, and from ages 65 to 66, she had no income, relying solely on dwindling savings during that challenging year.
Although she is now receiving her state pension and a modest private pension, Johnson’s combined income exceeds the threshold for Pension Credit, rendering her ineligible for additional support, such as the winter fuel allowance. She expressed her frustration with Labour’s refusal to compensate Waspi women despite the ombudsman’s findings, insisting that the decision should be legally binding. “This situation has persisted for far too long,” she stated. “The ombudsman recognized our unfair treatment and recommended compensation, so the Government should comply.”
Johnson believes it is crucial for everyone to support the fundraising efforts, as ignoring the ombudsman’s findings could set a troubling precedent. “As a single parent raising my daughters, I discovered too late that my state pension age had changed, leaving me with no time to adjust my financial plans due to my health issues,” she lamented. “The impressive amount raised in such a short time reflects the strong feelings of those affected. We are committed to pursuing this fight to the end.”
A formal letter before action has been sent to the Government, providing them an opportunity to respond before the campaigners seek a judicial review at the High Court. The Government has 14 days to reply prior to the case being filed.
However, numerous legal experts have indicated to The i Paper that the Waspi women may face challenges in winning a legal case against the Government regarding the compensation issue. One lawyer noted that to succeed in a judicial review, the campaigners must demonstrate that the Government’s decision was unreasonable. Despite the Government’s admission of maladministration and subsequent apology for the delays, this may be outweighed by the financial implications for taxpayers.
Conversely, Waspi lawyers argue that the Government’s rationale for dismissing the PHSO’s recommendation for compensation is in violation of legal principles. A Government spokesperson stated, “We acknowledge the ombudsman’s finding of maladministration and have apologized for the 28-month delay in communicating with 1950s-born women. However, evidence revealed that only one in four individuals recalled receiving unexpected letters, and by 2006, 90% of 1950s-born women were aware of the changes to the state pension age. Earlier notifications would have had minimal impact. For these reasons and others, the Government cannot justify funding a £10.5 billion compensation scheme at the taxpayers’ expense.”
